SCOTLAND’S licensed trade is being urged to get involved with the new What’s Your Heritage? campaign by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
Running as part of the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, the What’s Your Heritage? campaign is a multi-channel project that asks members of the public to reveal which of Scotland’s places, buildings and monuments they want to see recognised and celebrated.
The organisation hopes to uncover some hidden gems and, perhaps, some unusual examples of heritage for future generations to enjoy. From pubs and theatres to castles to schools, what are the buildings that have made us who we are?
Elizabeth McCrone, Historic Environment Scotland’s head of designations, visited Glasgow to launch the campaign and meet members of the community in the Gorbals to find out what they think their heritage is.
“This is the first time we have undertaken such a comprehensive review with the public about the criteria we use to decide whether to designate sites and structures,” she explains.
“We receive hundreds of requests every year to assess buildings and sites for listing or one of the other designations, and we really want to know what the people of Scotland think should be recognised and protected.
“We know that people are increasingly interested in different aspects of our history that designation hasn’t traditionally focused on, such as the stories and experiences associated with different places.
“Through the What’s Your Heritage? campaign we’re hoping to reach out to people across the country to find out whether we’re right about that and, if so, how we can take a fresh look at our work.”
One well-known Gorbals pub already taking part in the project is The Laurieston – a category C-listed building.
Stepping through the door, visitors are taken back in time to the 1960s thanks to the original decorative scheme which is still intact.
Proprietor James Clancy says: “There’s not many people that own their own pubs anymore. Most people lease but we own this, and we like to keep it the same as it’s always been.
“Our family has always been in the pub trade and it has changed a lot over the years,” he continues. “You’ll go into places now and they’ll have lots of tellies, music blasting, and huge menus.
“In here you’ll get a pie and peas from the same pie warmer we had at our old premises in Maryhill 40 years ago.
“We’ve got regulars who followed us from there, young lads whose fathers used to come in to see us, and on the walls you’ll see photos and newspaper clippings we’ve collected over the years that we know will be interesting to our regulars. It’s like a big extended family, where everyone is welcome.”
Historic Environment Scotland is running an online survey for the duration of the campaign, allowing people to contribute at a time and place that suits them. A social media campaign #MyHeritageIs adds another digital dimension to the project, inviting people to share their pictures and thoughts.
The feedback captured will be used to help shape new policies that will assist HES in protecting and celebrating historic sites now and in the future.
How to get involved:
- Take the survey at www.historicenvironment.scot/whatsyourheritage
- Join the conversation at a What’s Your Heritage? workshop or on Twitter with #MyHeritageIs #HHA2017
- Organise a workshop in your area – request a toolkit by emailing communications@hes.scot
- Tell your family, friends, customers and colleagues about the campaign
- Twitter: @HistEnvScot and Facebook: HistoricEnvScotland
John Clancy of The Laurieston in Glasgow is proud of his pub’s rich heritage – photograph by Donald MacLeod